About this course

Entry requirements

Honours degree from a UK university (usually a min. of 2:1 classification) or an equivalent academic qualification from a comparable international institution. Minimum of two years post-graduation work experience. Mature candidates with significant relevant work experience and lower academic qualifications may also be considered for entry, following personal interview with the programme manager. Students with other qualifications, including overseas awards (and alternative English Language qualifications) will be required to contact Registry before submitting an application to discuss the suitability of their award for entry onto the programme

Months of entry

October

Course content

Overview

This course is designed to enable prospective farmers, farm managers and farm management consultants to work at the strategic level of management and leadership in the commercial environment of modern farming and agribusiness. A mix of core business modules with specialist modules on the agricultural industry provide you with the relevant tools, and capabilities to succeed in this profession.

It is as much about management and the business of farming as it is about problem solving and opportunity finding within the agricultural industry. Our graduates are highly adaptable with the knowledge and skills to operate farm-based businesses with an entrepreneurial flair. Many have gone on to become Farm Managers, Consultants, Brand Managers, and Business Directors.

This course is for those from farming backgrounds who are taking on leadership roles within their family business.The course sets out the background, issues and challenges facing the national and global farming industry and helps you understand the value chain from ‘farm to fork’.

This MBA provides a unique opportunity for transatlantic study to put the management theories, concepts and strategies learnt into a European or USA context. You will have the chance to study the first term at the Utah State University or the Royal Agricultural University, with the remaining study periods undertaken at the RAU.

The MBA in Advanced Farm Management is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute. Upon successful completion of the degree, you will be awarded CMI Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership and will therefore become a Member of the Chartered Management Institute (MCMI). You can then apply to the CMI for full Chartered Manager status if you wish.

The MBA may be studied full-time over 12 months or part-time over two or three years.

You will study eight modules; six business modules in the autumn term, two applied modules in the spring term, plus two elective modules to focus your studies to specific areas of interest. The Applied Research Project is carried out over the summer to be submitted in September. It will be presented as a review paper and as a research paper.

You will take part in lectures, seminars and discussions, farm management activities, and group and individual case study work in a real-world context. Visiting industry experts give students a valuable insight in to the sector in which they are involved.

Modules are assessed through a range of coursework.

Modules:

Sustainable Business Strategy

Leadership and Change

International Marketing

Financial Management

Agricultural Economics

Operations Management

Sustainable Agricultural Business Principles

Farm Business Management

Applied Research Project

Plus TWO further elective modules.

Undertaking Term One of study in Utah, USA

Applicants who wish to undertake their Term One modules at Utah State University (USU) will need to ensure that they have indicated this in their application by replying the specific question.

Applicants can participate in the US study only if they have paid the required fees (Home/EU: 1/3 of tuition fees, Overseas: 50% of tuition fees) and identified that they want to participate in the US study programme the latest by 30th June.

Please note that the term for the US study in Utah (USU) starts in the first week of August. Late applications for participation in the US term cannot be considered.

Information for international students

For students whose first language is not English, the University will accept International English Language Test (IELTS) with a minimum overall score of 6.5 and no element below 5.5. Other English language qualifications should be discussed with Admissions.